Since 1999, Monte Mixen has been a cornerstone of the N.C. State Fair’s Horticulture Department, serving as second-in-command to Superintendent April Blazich. The horticulture competitive exhibits, located in the Agri Supply Exposition Center, features an impressive array of giant produce, apples, sweet potatoes, peppers, unique exotic varieties, and more.
“My first experience with the State Fair was at the 1997 Flower Show, where I entered the cactus competition,” said Mixen. “The supervisor of the Gardens of Wake County invited me to care for the cacti at the fair over the summer, and I later volunteered to help weed the collection once the fair opened. In 1999, I was offered a position in the Horticulture Department, and I have been working there ever since.”
“My responsibilities begin about a week and a half before the Fair,” Mixen said. “The role involves significant administrative work, ensuring all displays and exhibits are fully staffed throughout the day—a task that typically requires a team of four to five. While I don’t handle hiring, I coordinate our personnel to ensure everything is completed. Ultimately, I serve as a jack-of-all-trades, managing the essential details that keep the event running smoothly.”
While working with the Fair, Mixen had several other jobs during the year. “When I first started, I worked for Car Quest,” said Mixen. “I was just a desk worker then who also happened to work for the Fair. I then worked for Williams Sonoma Food, which was nice because I am a natural foodie. Lastly, I worked for Harris Teeter. Now, I am retired all other places minus the Fair.”
“My favorite part of the Fair is speaking with the people,” said Mixen. “The growers of the produce and the fairgoers. A great aspect of the job is that I get to discuss educational facts with my fellow coworkers. If we have a question and don’t know the answer, we find out. This really boosts the educational value when we get to speak with fairgoers.”
“My favorite memory was the year 1999, where I hand measured and sketched out the Cactus Garden,” said Mixen. “The Fair had the map and description key professionally redrawn and mounted out in the garden for the fairgoers to see. It took me about two months measuring and mapping the garden on weekends.”
Mixen’s favorite event at the horticulture show is the Pepper competition. He particularly enjoys the diverse shapes and vibrant colors of the various peppers. “I am known as the ‘chili head’ of the group,” he said.
Every year, Mixen likes to have a ‘few hours when he enjoys the fair. “When I have a fair day, I come three to four hours before my shift starts,” he said. “I use this time to explore and see some exhibits. Some of my favorites are the Village of Yesteryear and the Flower Show. I usually also try to get the softshell crab at the Fair. One booth only has it for a limited time each day and I usually can snag it.”
Mixon suggests that if you love the Fair and have a passion for an area of competitions, consider working there. “If anyone likes working with Fruits and Vegetables, they can contact the Fair to do that with us,” said Mixen. “They might get a job working with us. We would love to have them.”